Eldoret businessman Collins Leitich has finally apologised and explained how he established an unauthorised police base.
During a Facebook live stream, the businessman started by clarifying that the police patrol base had only been in existence for five days, contrary to reports suggesting it had been operational for the past six months.
“We are working with the authorities to legalise it and are trying to meet the necessary requirements. We have been cooperating with officials to ensure compliance,” he noted.
Leitich explains he was just a donor in the police station set up. Photo: Courtesy.
According to Leitich, the station had never been operational and did not have cells to hold suspects or criminals.
Leitich went on to explain that he was just a donor in the initiative, noting that he had engaged a few Uasin Gishu authorities regarding the patrol base.
“This was a community initiative. Claims that a Probox vehicle, painted in police colours, was operational are false. We should not always blame the government for failing to provide services. Instead, we can assist in ways that support them. We know the government faces challenges, including a shortage of housing, so we can help by providing accommodation for security personnel in the area,” Leitich Noted.
He moreover dismissed reports that he had been arrested and apologised to the authorities for failing to follow the proper procedure in setting up the police station acknowledging that only a few officials had been informed about it.
“The police understand our needs as villagers. They don’t just arrest people for taking action; they work for the community. Please stop calling me OCS and asking for jobs. I have not been running the station, and there are no job openings”
Leitich is said to have illegally set up a police patrol base in Cherus Centre, Kesses Sub-County, without the knowledge or authorization of the National Police Service (NPS).
The discovery of the unauthorized base was made by local authorities, who promptly commenced investigations.
